Altogether, 600 farmers from 240 Self Help Groups and Farmers’ Club of different
circles of Papum Pare district took part in the Mela in which they exhibited and
sold their agri-allied products by putting stalls. Various departments of Agri-allied
sectors also displayed and demonstrated their technologies and services for the benefit
of the participating farmers.

The bankers interacted with the farmers on various agri loan provision available
with them. Knowledge sharing sessions between farmers were also organised beside
painting competition on ‘Conservation of Natural Resources’ among students. Attending
the concluding day function, Parliamentary Secretary of Planning Nabam Rebia appreciated
the KVK, for the initiative which brought the all the departments and the farmers
of the district to a single platform enabling them to share knowledge. He advocated
for organizing such programme in the state capital during harvesting season every
year.

Awards were also given to the best farmers in different agri-allied sectors and the
best painter of the painting competition.

Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture &
Animal Husbandry Minister Setong Sena who emphasized the need for streamlining the
agriculture sector.

Follow RR, demands UAEA

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: In a representation to the Chief Minister today, the Unemployed
Arunachal Engineers’ Association (U.A.E.A) urged the government to strictly adhere
to the Supreme Court prescribed recruitment rules (RR) and vacancies should be notified
in recruitment notification.

The representation demanded for creating engineer posts in various departments, namely
Tourism, Education, Transport, Industry &Textile and Information & Technology Departments
so that unemployed engineers could get absorbed. Opposing deputation system and
illegal promotion against direct recruitment quota, the union demanded the CM to
stop such practice immediately in the greater interest of the unemployed engineers.

It also alleged illegal appointments of JEs on contractual basis against the posts
that were fallen vacant after deputation of employees. While demanding to stop further
extension of service period of those appointed on contract basis, the union called
for floating advertisement against those posts for open interview.

Student dies; principal arrested

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Aryan Zongluju, a class one standard student of Pine Dale Public
School of Bomdila in West Kameng district, died on December 15 last. The child complained
of feeling unwell before he died, police said.

A case has been registered against the school authority with Bomdila police station
by the relatives of the late student.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the school has been arrested by police following the
complaint lodged by the relatives, Bomdila police said.

Meanwhile, All West Kameng Students’ Union (AWKSU) in a representation to district
administration, demanded the authority to seal the school, cancel its registration
and also demanded immediate arrest of the school proprietor and hostel warden.

Expressing its solidarity to AWKSU’s demand, All Hrusso (Aka) Students’ Union condemned
the incident and said that school authority should be held responsible for the student’s
death.

Pre-Christmas celebrated

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: The Divine Word Touch Ministries (DWTM) celebrated pre-Christmas
in a colorful manner at Loby today which was attended by believers from various churches.

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: The All Arunachal Pradesh Government Department Labour Union
(AAPGDLU) Lohit istrict unit in collaboration with Power Grid Corporation of India
Limited (PGCIL), Tezu conducted a one day awareness camp for the construction labourers
of the PGCIL and other unorganized daily wage labours at Khoraliang village,Tezu
recently.

During the camp, the organizers highlighted the various benefits provided under labour
welfare schemes of the company and the Arunachal Pradesh Construction Workers Welfare
Board for the labourers.

Meanwhile, the senior engineer of PGCIL assured the AAPGDLU team headed by Kejen
Tayang to extend all possible help for the welfare of labourers.

The meeting was attended by the Er. Dimbeswar Pegu and Er. Tamo Tasung.

‘Conduct police recruitment rally’

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Tirap Changlang Lohit Students’ Union appealed to the State Government
to conduct the proposed police recruitment rally for Tirap and Changlang district
at the earliest.

While expressing concern over the rising crime and militant activities in Tai-Kamti
Singpho belt of Lohit district the union appealed to the government to look into
the matter seriously. It also demanded a proper enquiry into the JNV Mahadevpur incident.

NewsImpact

Tuki salutes VKV family

Inter-VKV Science Exhibition

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today expressed gratitude to the family
of Vivekananda Kendra for molding and shaping the future of Arunachal Pradesh without
expecting any materialistic comfort and profit.

“The excellent academic results year after year exemplify the dedication, devotion
and sincerity of its teachers and officials. I salute them for molding and shaping
the future of Arunachal Pradesh and India in the best possible way through the noble
profession of teaching,” Tuki said while inaugurating the three-day Mahabhaskara
Shastra Vigyan Pradarshani or the Inter-VKV Science Exhibition here at the premises
of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Chimpu this morning.

Vivekananda Kendra, a non-profit organization, formed with inspiration from the patriotic
saint of mother India, Swami Vivekananda, has held aloft the vision of ‘Man-Making
and Nation-Building’ in imparting education, Tuki asserted and hailed its volunteers
for their relentless service with dedication despite numerous hardships.

About 315 students are participating in the exhibition from 52 VKVs, including those
from Assam and Nagaland.

Tuki advised the young scientists that while severe brainstorming and spirit of competition
would take center-stage in these three days, they should make most of the time and
foster long lasting friendships and bring the neighbor states closer together.

Hailing the 34 VKVs in the state, he called upon the teachers and officials of the
organization to continue with their good work, as he felt that the job was still
half-done. Assuring the support of his Government in all possible ways and means,
he said his doors are open for the Kendra family.

“Please feel free to step in with not only your problems but also suggestions so
that I can contribute my bit as Chief Minister as well as a senior citizen of the
state,” Tuki offered. “Here I would like to remind my young friends of the historic
decision of the Government of India to implement the Right To Education Act on August
29, 2009. You and your younger brothers and sisters are lucky to have this Act in
your time. Our generation hasn’t been so lucky,” he said and urged the students to
avail the benefits of the Act to secure their future.

While expressing concern over the quality of education imparted in schools of the
state, he also raised the issue of lack of safety measures in schools and institutions.
Citing unfortunate tragedies in the form of fire mishaps, traffic accidents, etc
he appealed authorities of all schools across the state to give special attention
to safety measures.

“I stress on this particularly in this season of picnics and parties. If our young
friends are safe, our future is safe,” the Chief Minister pointed.

Likewise, he also emphasized on creating awareness amongst the students on road safety
measures, first-aid knowledge, disaster preparedness, drug addiction and HIV/AIDS.
He suggested regular health checks, camps and mock-drills and other activities to
train and prepare the young people to meet any eventuality.

Later, the Chief Minister made a round of the exhibition put up by the students as
well as few government departments.

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: Parliamentary Secretary Planning and Development Nabam Rebia today
categorically said that anybody found misusing Govt fund will not be spared. Rebia
was addressing a development meeting at Lichi village organised by Panchayat leaders
and grassroots level party workers of Lichi-Cher Panchayat.

Citing the examples of Sukh Ram and A Raja, the two former telecom ministers who
are languishing in Tihar Jail for their alleged involvement in the multi crore Telecom
scams, Rebia cautioned the fellow politicians, top bureaucrats, contractors of the
state to take a lesson from them.

While stressing on quality work, Rebia called for proper and judicious utilization
of limited Government fund Rebia, also local MLA, announced that construction of
Kimin - Gumto Road and a bridge over Ranganadi river connecting Upper Jumi village
would be his top priority agenda. Hr assured the gathering that works and tender
process would start very soon for the above works.

He also dwelt in length the importance of forest and wildlife in our lives and rued
that despite complete ban order people of all categories, right from govt officers
to GBs are still indulging in illegal hunting and fishing activities. He directed
the DC to issue a fresh ban order in the district in this regard and take sternest
action against the offenders. He exhorted the panchayat leaders and GBs to take proactive
role in this regard.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by Nabam Nido, ASM on behalf of Lichi Cher
Panchayat for creation of girls residential school at Lichi, construction of community
hall at Lichi, anti erosion structures at Lichi, Upper Sher and Lower Sher, construction
of mini stadium at general ground Hawa Camp, Rebia assured to look into the demands
in the next financial year and instructed the concern works Department to work out
the details and place the same in AOP 2012.

He also announced to provide Rs.5 lakh for the construction of Porter track from
Uchi to Bumchi-Bumte village and another Rs.5 lakh for the renovation of football
ground at VKV Lower Sher.

On their part the villagers apprised the visiting dignitaries especially the district
administration about problems faced by downstream people due to 100 % diversion of
Ranganadi river water to Pare river and informed them that the 2nd phase of rigorous
agitation would be launched soon against NEEPCO, if it does not release 50% dam water
to downstream to restore the ecological balance lost due to diversion of water. They
urged their MLA to discuss the matter with Chief Minister for immediate solutions.

Papum Pare deputy commissioner Pige Ligu, who was also present in the meeting , after
hearing the plight of RHEP downstream affected people, expressed shock at the alleged
apathy shown by NEEPCO Ltd towards the affected people and assured them that he would
take up the matter with head of the project within a week. He also suggested the
HoDs of agri, horti and animal husbandary sectors to reach out to the farmers of
Lichi Cher panchayat considering the suitability of climate for the above activities
in the area as well as hardworking nature of the native people.

Later, the MLA along with his team of officers visited water treatment plant site
at Kimin and inspected the under construction EAC’s office building funded under
SPA, multipurporse complex, internal roads of Kimin township, 33KV sub-station and
other ongoing schemes in and around Kimin township. The team also visited Durpa-Lora
PM5GY road and expressed satisfaction at the rapid progress of the road at worksite.

The team also took stock of the situation in Assam- Arunachal border area of Kimin.

CHONGKHAM, Dec 17: The only Tai-Khampti Singpho Museum-cum-Research Centre located
in the premise of Arunachal Pali Vidyapith; Chongkham in Lohit district merely houses
few antiques, relics and artifacts of the region. Though it was constructed and inaugurated
with much assurances and promises, it has no requisite staff to look after.

The solitary caretaker is the Secretary of Arunachal Pali Vidyapith. When enquired,
the Secretary informed that Curators are hired from time to time for the upkeep of
the historical materials on display. He however informed that proposal for appointment
of a permanent Curator/Caretaker has been sent to the Government and is awaiting
acknowledgement.

The elites of Khampti-Singpho societies have urged the elected leaders of Lohit district
to exercise concern for the only Museum-cum-Research Centre and appoint needed man-power
for the cause.

Join hands in development process: Thongdok

BOMDILA, Dec 17: Principal Advisor to Chief Minister cum Parliamentary Secretary
(PWD) TN Thongdok, who is currently on a whirlwind tour of his constituency, called
upon the people of Domkho- Morshing area to come forward and join hands in the
process of development irrespective of political affiliations.

It is my bonded responsibility to keep alive the visions of the Chief Minister and
work for the overall development of the state and my constituency, said Thongdok.
Proper planning, commitment and studious work need to be the mantra of the day, he
observed.

State government under the leadership of Nabam Tuki is people oriented and would
strive for the welfare of the people and development of the society, asserted Thongdok.

Calling on the head of departments and other departmental officers, Thongdok stressed
on the need for reaching out to the people and to accord utmost importance for development
at the grassroots level as the 70% of the people live in rural areas.

Replying to the customary memorandum usually submitted to the honourables’ on such
occasion, Thongdok assured to fulfill most of the demands and proposals within this
financial year and to take up the rest in the next financial year on priority basis.
Earlier in the morning, Thongdok made a thorough inspection of the various additional
classrooms being constructed at Domkho, Morshing and Sanglem under Multi Sectoral
Development Programme (MSDP) being constructed for Rs 6 lakh per unit. True to his
reputation and in order to send out the message loud and clear, Thongdok was seen
using hammer and boulders to ascertain the amount and quality of building materials
being used for the construction of the various classrooms in the three villages he
visited. He also inspected the RCC foot bridge constructed at an estimated cost of
Rs 5 lakh for which the Parliamentary Secretary was all praise for. “This is what
I want from my departmental officers and the contractors,” he said. If committed
for the welfare and development of one’s area, such examples need to be set, he added.

Earlier, he visited the local Gonpa for which an amount of Rs 10 lakh is being assisted
by the state government.

Interactive meetings of the district HODs with public at regular intervals would
go a long way in the development of the area, said Thongdok chairing the meeting.
Officers reaching out to the people sends the right message and proves to be more
effective, he added.

Replying to the various demands placed for the development of the constituency, Thongdok
prioritizing the necessities, assured placement of fund within this financial year
and to take up the rest in the next financial year.

On the vexed boundary issue with Assam, he said that talks are on with the Assam
govt but the need of the hour is to maintain cordial relationship with the neighbors
on the other side.

Earlier in the morning yesterday, T.N Thongdok visited the new under construction
ADC office and residential buildings which is being constructed at an estimated cost
of 3.40 crores. He urged PWD and the concerned contractors to expedite the work which
had been held up for few months as result of the political turmoil.

Later, he visited the site for the proposed Steel Girder Bridge to be constructed
for Rs 1.93 crore which would connect Chingi on the other side of the valley. The
WRD was asked to construct a flood protection wall to control the soil erosion and
flash flood which might affect the abutment of the bridge. An amount of Rs 15 lakh
was sanctioned for the purpose.

Later, he visited the flood control works at the Kalaktang nallah, the Govt Primary
School Nargomri and the Govt Higher Secondary school Kalaktang, where he inspected
the newly constructed Boys hostel constructed under SPA for Rs 1.09 crore. DIPRO

ITANAGAR, Dec 17: In a bid to conserve Mithun (bos frontalis), the consultative meeting
convened by Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society (NIFCS) at Nyokum auditorium,
Doimukh today adopted several resolutions to conserve the all important animal of
this tribal state.

Among others, the meeting decided to regulate the indiscriminate slaughtering of
the animal during socio-cultural functions, declare community conservation reserve
at village level to protect their habitat and extensive breeding programme in both
in-situ & ex-situ condition. However, sacrifice of the animal in religious function
would be exempted from such regulation. Further, a resolution regarding uniform price
regime in all Nyishi belt was also adopted.

The meeting further resolved to prepare some possible measures/roadmap such as sustainable
utilization to conserve the animal.

Attending the meeting, former NIFCS president Chuku Loma emphasized on conservation
of mithun through habitat protection and declaration of Community Conservation Reserve.

Dr. Taba Heli, Sebbe (Mithun) Scientist from Directorate of Veterinary, presented
an overall statistical scenario of the animal in Arunachal Himalaya. He informed
that Sebbe would soon be rated under endangered category. According to Dr. Heli,
the three main reasons responsible for dwindling population of the animal were attack
by wild beast, indiscriminate slaughtering during socio-religious ceremony and epidemic.
He suggested for community awareness campaign at grassroots level and protection
of Sebbe habitat by declaring Sebbe sanctuary.

Nabam Epo, president of All Arunachal Head Gao Bura Association emphasized on protection
of the animal by regulating the indiscriminate slaughtering, current exorbitant price
regime, controlling epidemic in the animal and protecting it from predators such
as tiger, leopard and wolf etc. He suggested for strict legal mechanism at panchayat
level. Legal mechanism in the form of community customary law in the community should
be codified and legalized at state legislative assembly so that effective conservation
and sustainable utilization is ensured in future at community level, he said.

NIFCS president Taba Hare, who presided over the meeting, urged all Nyishi organizations
including NES, ANSU, CNN and relevant government department to take up the issues
of mithun conservation and establishment of heritage museum at government level.

Dr. Hui Tag, secretary general and Dr. Nabam Nakha Hina, vice president, NIFCS threw
glimpse of the two crucial topics of mithun conservation and establishments of the
Nyishi Arts and Cultural Heritage Museum before the participants through powerpoint
presentation

The meeting further resolved that the Nyishi Arts and Cultural Heritage Museum would
be established at CNN Hq. Rono, Doimukh which would showcase the traditional antics
and relics, arts and craft of Nyishis of yester-years. The heritage museum would
also act as resource centre for education and research works not only for the Nyishis
but also for the visitors from abroad, the resolution said.

RUKSIN, Dec 17: Ruksin Senior Secondary School formerly known as Govt Secondary School,
a premier institution of learning located at Assam-Arunachal border here, is in a
pathetic condition due to authority’s apathy. Established in 1966, the premier institution
of secondary education has been running without proper infrastructure and other requirements
for the last four decades. Now the school is in dire need of teachers, science laboratory
and other equipments to impart quality education.

The school was upgraded to higher secondary level with Arts and Science streams in
June, 2009. The dignitaries present on the occasion, including the elected representative
and departmental officials had promised to provide the necessary infrastructure.
But the school is still running without having basic infrastructure and other facilities.
Not a single teacher against science stream has been appointed so far.

The principal of the school, Obing Yomso informed that due to shortage of senior
teacher in the senior sections, the junior teachers have been engaged for conducting
senior secondary classes in Arts stream. Two teachers have been appointed for Arts
stream under attachment. No student is enrolled in Science stream for the last three
sessions for want of teachers, the principal said.

Yomso said that he had requested the local leaders to take up problems of the school
with the Education Minister in stead of blaming the authority’s failure. He said
that the state government cannot be blamed for teachers’ appointment as the recruitment
process was facing a bureaucratic roadblock and was hanging in Gauhati High Court.

Education Minister Bosiram Siram during his recent visit to the school (after re-induction
as education minister in Nabam Tuki-led government) was pleaded for early solution
of the long-standing problems, including appointment of senior teachers, sanction
for Science Laboratory and hostel building for students’ both boys and girls besides
providing other facilities, but in vain.

Located at the state border here, Ruksin Sr Secondary School has a strategic importance.
Besides Arunachal, a large number of students from Jonai of Assam also come to this
school every year for pursuing education. But the sorry state of the school is creating
problems not only to the students in pursuing their academic studies but also teachers
in imparting quality eduction.